Pelotonia 15 on record-breaking path

Pelotonia, the grassroots fundraiser with One Goal End Cancer, is hosting more than 7,900 riders and 3,000 volunteers this year, surpassing the 7,270 riders and 2,500 volunteers who participated in 2014.

Traveling from 39 states and 8 countries, the record-breaking number of riders is expected to surpass last year’s fundraising, which would bring the overall fundraising total to more than $100 million.

Based on ridership, Pelotonia continues to be the largest single-event cycling fundraiser benefitting cancer research in the United States. Riders make a commitment to raise a minimum of $1,200 to $2,200 for cancer research based on their route choice.

Pelotonia donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center– Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. Major funding partners include Huntington Bank, L Brands Foundation, Peggy and Richard Santulli, American Electric Power Foundation and Nationwide. Other notable partners include Harold C. Schott Foundation, The Scotts MiracleGro Company, and Cardinal Health Foundation.

· Supporting a clinical trial for Ibrutinib, which is now FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma; and

· Developing and funding a statewide initiative geared towards genetically identifying those at high risk for colorectal, ovarian and uterine cancer so they can seek preventative care.

Pelotonia’s opening ceremony program will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 7 at Columbus Commons and will include brief remarks from Chief Executive Officer of The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Michael Caligiuri, MD; of The Ohio State University, President Dr. Michael Drake, and Kenyon College President Sean Decatur. Pelotonia President and Chief Executive Officer, Doug Ulman will be the keynote speaker.

In order to alleviate route congestion and maintain rider safety, the weekend-long ride will maintain its three starting locations on Saturday morning. The Columbus Commons will be the starting point for cyclists tackling the 100- and 180-mile rides, while 25- and 50-mile riders will take off from McFerson Commons in the Arena District, and 75- and 155-mile riders will start from Pickerington High School North.

Along the 180-mile route, 3,000 volunteers will support riders by providing snacks, beverages, first aid assistance and bike maintenance services alongside thousands of supporters cheering riders throughout their ride.

PLEASE EXPECT TRAFFIC DELAYS AND USE EXTREME CAUTION WHILE TRAVELING DURING PELOTONIA WEEKEND.

The 2015 Pelotonia course will cover various city, county and state roads from Columbus to Gambier on Saturday and Gambier to New Albany on Sunday. For the safety of all Pelotonia participants, please remind motorists to look out for cyclists and volunteers while on the road from Saturday, August 8 through Sunday, August 9. If you have any questions or concerns during Pelotonia weekend, please call the Pelotonia ride hotline at 1-855-889-RIDE (7433).